Local Jewelry Artists

It's been fun showing off some of our local talented friends/customers this week.  This evening I will dote on my granddaughter, "Gianna".  She can take unusual ingredients, a little wire, and mix them all together, creating jewelry like this stunning necklace.  Her creativity and style certainly do show in her approach to making jewelry!

Local Jewelry Artists

I love wearing this sterling silver and rhondonite necklace, designed and created by Peggy Lierheimer.  Peggy is an experienced artist who creates beautiful wearable pieces of art, using natural stones, irregular shapes and beautiful colors.  Very intricate and lovely.  You can see more of Peggy's jewelry on Peggy's Jewelry Page.

Local Jewelry Artist

Tisha Doyle of Goodie Two Shoes Designs, creates custom stamped sterling silver and copper jewelry designs.  Tisha specializes in personalized sports jewelry, like this adorable baseball mom charm bracelet, creating unique and timeless keepsakes.

Local Jewelry Artists

This silver filigree pendant is made by Heather Jones of Select Jewelry Designs on Etsy.  A beautiful,  delicate and highly detailed design.

 

Even though Heather works mostly with silver, she also works with copper and brass, making gorgeous one-of-a-kind pieces. 

AJE Earring Challenge Reveal #10

I love the colors in these beautiful lampwork beads made by Jennifer.  The lampwork pairs beautifully with the flower link topped with the sparkle and color of the Swarovski Vitrail.  The perfect finish is the lampwork dangle. 

Since we had the Peyote Class in our Store, I can't stop thinking about Seed Beads.  The colors in the Metallic Burgundy Seed Beads seemed the perfect pair with the purple Sea Glass.  So light to wear,  yet so pretty!

 

 

Dangling Flower Earrings

Filigrees and Flowers, what a lovely combination!  The pink, yellow and green color combination is so warm and cheerful.  For more information on these earrings, check here in our Etsy Store. 

New Sea Glass

Sea Glass Conch Shell Beads - The Perfect Earring Size!

Sea Glass Center-Drilled Sticks

Both of these new Sea Glass shapes come in a beautiful selection of colors.  For more information about these, check here on our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

Nebula Lampwork Focal

This beautifully shaped lampwork focal bead has swirls of purple, blue and caramel colors, under a clear casing.  This focal is a double helix reactive silver glass.  Would be perfect just on chain!  For more information about this bead check here in our Etsy Store.

Just the Basics

Learn how to make beautiful custom made jewelry.  In this class you learn the basics of bead stringing and finishing your design, crimping, and use of tools.  Kristin Girard will teach this class on Saturday, June 8th, 2-5pm.  For information on signing up, check here on our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

Rhinestone Chain

Add sparkling crystal chain embellishments to your jewelry or craft projects.  These beautiful chains come in various colors and sizes.  Check here in our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

Chinese Crystal

We carry a wonderful range of colors in Chinese Crystal.  These crystals are faceted, have metallic and AB coatings, and come in many different sizes and shapes.  These brillant crystals are sparkling and affordable.  Come by our Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website and check them all out!

Sherazade Beadwork Bracelet Class

Yesterday, guest instructor Peggy Lierheimer taught the Sherazade Bracelet Class.  A beautiful pattern using crystals or pearls and seed beads.  Please enjoy our delightful selection of creations made during class.

 

 

"Design With Me" Challenge

A couple of weeks ago, contributor Melissa Meman on Art Jewelry Elements, created a challenge to finish an "unfinished" jewelry project.  With ideas continuallly changing, it sometimes makes it challenging to stick to a plan, but with perseverance and some experimenting our "unfinished" projects are completed.

Jennifer's Creation

What a beautiful soft combination of colors!  Jennifer made the above necklace with lustrous hand-painted porcelian beads, which were just waiting for the rutilated quartz, given to Jennifer by her friend Delores.  Each section has been framed with tiny Magatama Seed Beads.  Well, of course... the "Pièce de résistance" is the sterling silver toggle!  This necklace ends with a dangling of beads, and on the very end, an enameled headpin.  All the elements are complete in this classically-styled elegant necklace!

Deborah's Necklace

Sometimes the hardest part is deciding where to begin...but this necklace above began with the "treasured" lampwork beads that Jennifer made for me.  They needed something unique.  I bought the crystal-adorned leather bracelet from Brady's Jewelry, where they make some pretty cool custom "Rowdy Cowgirl" jewelry!  The centerpiece was a hidden gem found in an old horse tackbox.  A torch-enameled leaf dangles at the bottom.  A little bit rustic vintage, a little bit cowgirl bling, and a whole lot of charm. :)

We are delighted with the end results...and would like to thank Melisa Meman for the challenge, for these beads will no longer be sitting around forgotten in a drawer, instead they will be happily enjoyed!

Seed Bead Trunk Show

We are hosting a Seed Bead Trunk Show from ChaCha Beads.   Beautiful and unusual seed beads from Japan and Italy.   There are many sizes and finishes to select from.   We only have these "lovelies" for a short time, through May 25th, to be exact!   Come by, we would love to see you and you won't be disappointed.  For more information check here on the Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website.

Flower Necklace

This floral layered necklace has the look of vintage.  A colbalt and turquoise patina finish has been added to these antique brass flowers, then accented with crystals and pearls.  The old-fashioned style glass beads add that perfect finishing touch!  For more information about this necklace, check here in our Etsy Store.

Resin Cabochons

Use your imagination to create fun and interesting cabachon jewelry.  These cabachons come in this beautiful, soft assortment of colors, they have flatbacks, and would make a lovely statement in a focal piece.  For more information, check here in our Etsy Store.

"Ocean Wave" Lampwork Focal

This bottle-shaped lampwork focal has beautiful colors of soft blue to ocean wave greens, swirling and overlapping to look just like the ocean waves on a stormy sea.  This would look beautiful with pearls, semi-precious, or just by itself, hanging from a chain.  This focal has been kiln annealed for durability.  For more information, check here in our Etsy Store.

Purple Turquoise and Lampwork Necklace

This sterling silver necklace features two-strands of lampwork and purple turquoise pillow beads, accented with Swarovski Crystals for that special sparkle!  Beautiful, and one-of-a-kind.  For more information check here in our Etsy Store.

AJE Earring Challenge-Reveal 9

Mother's Day has arrived and all of us from Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry would like to wish you a happy day!  I consider myself lucky to be involved in a family business with my daughter-in-law Jennifer, and two of my granddaughters.  Life has been good, and I am so grateful to be doing what I love!

This first pair of earrings above are made by Jennifer using our gunmetal findings.  Attached on the top are torch-fired enamel flowers, finished with crystal dangles.  Love these beautiful colors!

I also wanted to show these beautiful lampwork beads that Jennifer made for me a couple of Mother' s Day years ago.  I paired them with opalite and Swarovski Crystal AB.  Yes, I made them different colors, but when paired with the necklace below, they're perfect!



 

 

Butterfly Filigree

Wrap this butterfly filigree around a gemstone or use it as a beading base, and add a touch of filigree to your next project.  Great for scrapbooking also!  You can find this filigree, and many others here on the Dry Gulch Beads and Jewelry Website. 

Crystal Key Necklace

This old key has been decorated with a vintage crystal brooch, creating this upcycled necklace.  Red silk seam binding trim adds just the perfect touch.  A wonderful necklace to wear when ordinary won't do. 

"Design With Me" Challenge

We love having the opportunity to participate in different challenges.  In this fun challenge from Melissa Meman, a contributor on Art Jewelry Elements, we are to finish an "unfinished" jewelry project and post it on May 18th.  We have many piles of projects awaiting something.  It will be fun going through all the "treasures" and see what new ideas are triggered.

 

Here is what Jennifer has picked, and "what a beautiful pile it is".  

 

And...here is what I picked.  Yes, I know it's two piles, but I can't decide which one to pick. :) 

So with a little bit of imagination and some determination we'll see you May 18th with a couple of finished creations.

Purple Pearl Shell Pendant

This pendant has been wire-wrapped into a beautiul iridescent purple pearl shell flower, with added filigrees and crystals.  Perfect for summer evening wear that really stands out!  For more information on this pendant check here in our Etsty Store. 

Adjustable Filigree Rings

Delicate and lacey, these rings have that Vintage look.  A wonderful base to add your favorite topping to.  Fall in love with Filigree!  For more information on this ring check here in our Etsy Store. 

Pink Soldered Pendant

Pink floral illustrated paper is featured inside this hand-soldered pendant.  A Vintage pink rose brooch dangles from the pendant and the green crystal drop is a beautiful contrast.  This would make a wonderful Mother's Day gift.  For more information check here in our Etsy Store.

Peyote Stitch Class

Yesterday, our guest instructor Kristin Girard taught the classic Peyote Stitch.  We used needles and Fireline to weave Delica Seed Beads into the Peyote Stitch.  We then adorned Sea Glass Donut Pendants with them, and finished the edges with a Picot edge.  This is one stitch that can lead to so many possibilities!

Hats Off Challenge Reveal

Here we are...and here's the story...

First Hat...

"Made With Color"

My first thoughts... to attract admirers wear a beautiful hat, or should I say necklace?  This crisp and colorful necklace all started with the floral centerpiece.  I've always had a passion for French Seed Beaded flowers.  It seemed to be the way to bring all those wonderful colors together.  Flowing from the centerpiece are two strands, one is a green matte agate with crystals, the other is the wonderful apricot stick pearls... just had to use them (kind of like the feathers in the hat).  On the opposite side is a filigree topped with a vintage accessory piece.  I think this necklace has a fun and bright personality!

Second Hat

 

"Three Little Words"

I love pendants that tell a story, and this one started with a butterfly, which was printed on rice paper and adhered to the back of a vintage chandelier crystal using Diamond Glaze.  Then the collage began with filigrees and bits and pieces assembled together, and finished with crystals (got to have some bling).  Paired together to be something meaningful, mixed with nostalgia.  A match made in Heaven. :)

Well, that's all folks!  Many thank-you's to our Hostess Bobbie, from Beadsong Jewelry, for such a fun challenge for us all to participate in!  Be sure to visit all of the particpants.

Arlene Dean www.aglassbash.blogspot.com

Bobbie Rafferty www.beadsong.blogspot.com

Charlie www.505indiechic.blogspot.com

Cheryl Dunham www.renaissance-jewelry.blogspot.com

Chris www.furzalsjewellry.blogspot.com

Christine Altmiller www.onekisscreations.blogspot.com

Cindy Wilson www.itsmyseaofdreams.blogspot.com

Cynthia Machata www.antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com

Deanna Riles-Cox https://www.facebook.com/deanna.rilescox

Debbie Rasmussen www.kepirasmussen.blogspot.com

Dini Bruinsma https://www.facebook.com/dini.bruinsma

Jasvanti Patel www.jewelrybyjasvant.blogspot.com

Jean Yates www.prettykittydogmoonjewelry.blogspot.com

Jennifer LaVite www.drygulchbeadsandjewelry.blogspot.com/

Karin Slaton www.backstorybeads.blogspot.com

Kashmira www.sadafulee.blogspot.com

Laney Mead http://laney-izzybeads.blogspot.com/

Liz E www.beadcontagion.blogspot.com

Lola www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com

Micheladas www.micheladasmusings.blogspot.com

Nan Smith www.wirednan.blogspot.com

Robin Reed www.willowdragon.blogspot.com

Sally Russick www.thestudiosublime.com

Shiraz www.secretsongdesigns.blogspot.com

Susan Nelson Bowie www.susanbowie.wordpress.com

Therese www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com

Vera www.veradesigns.blogspot.com

Swarovski Jet AB2X

These 10mm Rounds were special ordered directly from Swarovski.  The sparkling brillance and beauty of these Crystals are so appealing.  For more information on these, check here in our Etsy Store.

Rustic Birdhouse Pendants

If you don't have a birdhouse, you should get one!!!  These large, nature-inspired birdhouse pendants are adorable.  We carry a selection of rustic birdhouses in different shapes.   For more information, check here in our Etsy Store.

Calling All Earthlings!

The colors and styles of lampwork varies so, and this focal has captured the look of earth as seen from outer space.  This one of a kind handmade lampwork piece has been kiln annealed for durability.  For more information on this piece, please check here in our Etsy Store.